The firing-lock case is eccentrically fitted in the hub of the block carrier, in such a position that the axis of the firing-pin is always in line with the bore of the gun. The vent bushing in the front end of the breech block through which the firing pin passes when in the fired position, is fitted eccentrically with reference to the breechblock. This eccentric arrangement of the breechblock, masks the point of the firing-pin and prevents any possible contact between the pin and the primer in the cartridge case when the block is unlocked. The block will be practically fully locked before any contact between the firing-pin and primer can take place.

Nomenclature of important parts of Breech & Firing Mechanism.

Mod. 1905:—

Name of PartWhere located
Breech BlockOn block carrier
Vent BushingFront end of block
Block CarrierHinged to jacket; supports block
Block StopScrewed into front face of carrier
Hinge PinHinges carrier to jacket
Hinge Pin CatchIn hinge pin
ExtractorIn breech recess
Extractor LeverMounted on hinge pin
Operating LeverPivoted on block carrier
Lever PivotPivots lever on block carrier
Lever LatchIn operating lever
Lever Latch SpringIn operating lever, lower part
Lever Latch PivotIn operating lever, lower part
Block LatchIn recess in carrier
Block Latch SpringAround latch bolt
Firing Lock CaseIn hub of the block carrier
Locking Bolt Nut and PinOn firing lock case, rear face of carrier
Firing PinIn axle hole, center of firing lock case
Firing Pin SpringAround firing pin
Firing Spring SleeveAround firing pin spring
SearIn slot in firing lock case
Trigger ForkRear end firing lock case
Trigger ShaftOn rear end firing lock case
Trigger Shaft DetentOn trigger shaft
Firing PalletOn pallet shank
Pallet ShankOn recoil lug of gun
Firing HandleOn firing handle shaft
Firing Handle BracketAttached to right side of cradle
Firing Handle ShaftAssembled in bracket, right side of cradle
Trip LatchAttached to trip latch plunger
Trip Latch PlungerAssembled to firing handle
Adjusting ScrewAssembled to firing handle bracket
Check NutAssembled in adjusting screw

3 Inch Gun Carriage, Model of 1902.
Plan

THE GUN CARRIAGE.

The gun carriage for the 3-inch gun Model 1905 is of the type known as the long-recoil, in which the gun is permitted a sufficient length of recoil (about 45 inches) upon the carriage to render the latter stationary under firing stresses. The gun is mounted upon a cradle which forms a housing for the recoil controlling parts. The cradle rests upon the rocker and has a small traversing motion of 70 mils on each side of the axis of the carriage. The rocker is journaled upon the axle and its rear end is supported by the elevating mechanism, which is seated in the trail.

The principal parts of the carriage are the wheels, axle, trail and elevating mechanism forming the lower carriage, the cradle and recoil-controlling parts constituting the upper carriage, and the rocker and traversing mechanism intermediate between the two. In addition there are provided shields, ammunition carriers, the road brake, and the axle seats.

The Wheels and the Axle. The wheels are a modified form of the Archibald pattern, 56 inches in diameter, with 3-inch tires. The axle is hollow and forged from a single piece of steel. The wheels are held on by the wheel fastenings.